How to Make Outdoor Bamboo Shades

Bamboo has been around for millions of years and is considered to be imbued with luck and good fortune. Outdoor bamboo shades are fairly easy to make, relatively inexpensive, and will spruce up almost any garden or landscaping plan. The most cost-effective structure to build is a free standing bamboo shade. The bamboo screening is naturally beautiful, and can enhance the look of any garden with a natural flair.

You might use your screen to call attention to a special ornamental tree, climbing vine, or plant. The Bamboo screen may also be used to protect a fragile plant from direct sunlight, while enhancing the overall beauty of your garden. An added benefit to the bamboo shade is that it is made out of natural bamboo fibers and thus entirely environmentally friendly and sound.

Step 1 - Survey Your Garden and Decide Where Your Bamboo Shade will Fit Best

Consider selecting an area in which to highlight a special plant or tree or to provide a shaded and private area in your garden. Wherever you choose to place your bamboo shade, it will undoubtedly become the focal point of your garden. Your bamboo will stay most healthy if it is planted into soil that is mixed with organic materials, such as compost, manure, or grass clippings.

Step 2 - Drive Your Bamboo Poles into the Ground

Decide how wide you would like your screen to be and measure out the width. Using your mallet, gently drive one bamboo pole into the ground firmly at each end of the width. If you would rather an open U-shaped screen, you may use three poles at equal distances with a rear pole set back from the other three. Take extra care to tap the bamboo gently so that the ends do not crack as yo drive them into the ground.

Step 3 - Drill Holes into The Bamboo where You Intend to Attach the Screening

Using a simple drill, carefully drill four holes into the bamboo poles. You will later screw the screening into these holes to attach the screening to the poles,

Step 4 - Enrich the Soil

Surround each pole with some mulch, compost, or manure, to help the Bamboo stay healthy and strong.

Step 5 - Cut Your Bamboo Screening

Using shears or large scissor, carefully cut your bamboo screening to fit between the poles. Take extra care so as not to tear the screening. Once the screening has been cut, simply attach it to the bamboo poles using pre-drilled holes and outdoor screws.

Step 6 - Integrate Your Bamboo Shade into the Rest of Your Garden

Plant special trees or ornamental shrubs, by the free standing shade screen structure. Consider adding whimsical wind chimes or stepping stones. The screen will draw special attention featured plants and will add beauty and value to your garden and landscaping design.